1995: Newton resident and public art sculptor Nancy Schon suggests idea to then Metropolitan District Commission (MDC, now Department of Conservation and Recreation, or DCR)

1998:
Radcliffe Seminar landscape architecture students of Renata von Tscharner design skatepark under Zakim Bridge as class project

2000:
Founding of Charles River Conservancy (CRC) as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with mission of making the Parklands along the Charles “more active, attractive, and accessible”

2001:
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and State Representative Paul Demakis file bill for skatepark on Charles River

2002:
CRC and MDC start skatepark planning; possible sites are considered in both Charlestown and Cambridge

2003:
CRC hosts three public design meetings at Boston Public Library

CRC staff give several presentations to the New Basin Citizens’ Advisory Committee

In the fall,a skatepark site is selected in East Cambridge

MDC staff gives a presentation about skatepark at a meeting of the Big Dig’s Environmental Oversight Committee

Based on input from area skateboarders, CRC hires designer Zach Wormhoudt of Wormhoudt, Inc. to formulate a conceptual design for the skatepark

2004:
In January CRC announces official launch of capital campaign

Throughout the year, there are six design coordination meetings attended by representatives from the CRC, the Massachusetss Turpike Authority (MTA), the DCR, and the engineering firm, Carol R. Johnson Associates

In April there is a public meeting about the skatepark at Boston City Hallc

Legislation and funding request are filed with the state by the CRC

In October at Avalon event, the Boston Redevelopment Authority announces its $100,000 gift to the skatepark.

CRC holds a public safety meeting with police and DCR

CRC arranges a site visit with Boston, Cambridge and State police

2005:
Over the winter MDC Commissioner Abbott is asked to resign

In the summer the leaks appear in Big Dig’s new tunnel

MTA work on Parcel 29F is suspended and clearance of skatepark site is delayed

Cambridge City Council votes to contribute financial support to skatepark

Fundraising continues as CRC staff approach 39 foundations (none of which had ever given to a skatepark before!)

2006:
Massachusetts state legislature approves $150,000 for skatepark

In June- site signs reading “Future Home of Charles River Skatepark” are unveiled.

NECN and WBGH do television programs about skatepark

CRC continues to have meetings with the MTA and DCR

Fundraising continues: $1 million dollars now raised

With the collapse of the MTA’s tunnel ceiling, the MTA chairman resigns.

2007:
In May CRC hosts a public meeting at BPL

MTA discovers new site constraints

CRC attends five design meetings with MTA, DCR, Cambridge Conservation Commission, etc.

The Lynch Foundation announces challenge grant to the skatepark in the amount of $500,000

CRC meets with new DCR commissioner regarding lease of skatepark on DCR land

CRC arranges Cambridge Community Police meeting

Cambridge City manager announces $200,000 gift to the skatepark

In October Boston Mayor Menino and Cambridge Mayor Reeves attend a special luncheon event to celebrate the Lynch Challenge grant; $2 million dollar mark reached!

CRC hires nationally acclaimed design and construction firm Grindline to build skatepark

WilmerHale lawyer Robert Fitzpatrick (and father of a skateboarder!) joins CRC’s efforts on a pro bono basis